South Africa: Analysts Claim that Rivalry Between Criminal Networks is Driving Mass Shootings

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) claims that gang violence, organised crime, and disputes over control of criminal networks are contributing factors to mass shootings in South Africa.

According to data from the GI-TOC, there have been 41 mass shootings in South Africa since the beginning of 2026, with about 200 fatalities. According to the organization, a mass shooting occurs when three or more people are killed.

In just two days last weekend, shootings in Johannesburg and Cape Town claimed 27 lives. A few days prior, gunmen raided a residence south of Durban, killing twelve people, including a pregnant mother.

According to the GI-TOC, a large portion of this violence is related to competition between criminal networks and individuals seeking to control illicit markets. While overall crime statistics indicate a different trend, mass shootings are on the rise. According to the South African police’s most recent quarterly data, there was an almost 6% decrease in homicides between April and June.

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